Salary ranges for five popular IT positions in 2022
Last year we provided some insights into the salaries of some IT professionals in 2021. The Median Salaries for IT Pros is now $101,323 a 2023 Salary Survey by Research & Markets shows. Generally, both IT salaries and job openings were up in 2022 with the average salary for IT professionals increasing by 5.61%. This was significantly higher than the overall average salary growth of 3.9% for all occupations. The growth in IT salaries was driven by a number of factors, including:
- The continued growth of the tech industry. The tech industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and this growth is driving demand for IT professionals.
- The increasing complexity of IT systems. As IT systems become more complex, businesses need more skilled IT professionals to manage and maintain them.
- The shortage of IT talent. There is a shortage of qualified IT professionals in the workforce, which is driving up salaries.
The strong growth in IT salaries is expected to continue in 2023. The tech industry is expected to continue to grow, and the demand for IT professionals is expected to remain strong. The shortage of IT talent is also expected to continue, which will continue to drive up salaries.
The following are some approximate salary ranges for five popular IT positions in the United States, based on available data up until 2023.
Network Administrator
Entry-level: $50,000 – $70,000
Mid-level: $70,000 – $90,000
Senior-level: $90,000 – $120,000+
Cybersecurity Analyst
Entry-level: $60,000 – $80,000
Mid-level: $80,000 – $110,000
Senior-level: $100,000 – $150,000+
PC support technician
Entry-level: $35,000 – $50,000
Mid-level: $45,000 – $65,000
Senior-level: $55,000 – $80,000
Software Developer/Engineer
Entry-level: $60,000 – $90,000
Mid-level: $80,000 – $120,000
Senior-level: $100,000 – $150,000+
Data Scientist
Entry-level: $80,000 – $110,000
Mid-level: $100,000 – $140,000
Senior-level: $130,000 – $180,000+
Tips for increasing your IT salary
- Get certified. Certifications are a great way to demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest technologies. The tech industry is constantly changing, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies.
- Network with other IT professionals. Networking is a great way to learn about new opportunities and to get your name out there.
- Be willing to relocate. If you are willing to relocate, you will have more job opportunities and you will be able to command a higher salary.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting a high-paying IT job.
Considering certification?
A way to either boost the above numbers or, for beginners to gain a foothold in these professions, is to get certified.
Certified IT professionals often have the potential to earn higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts. IT certifications demonstrate expertise and proficiency in specific technologies, platforms, or skill sets. They validate a professional’s knowledge, skills, and commitment to staying up to date in their field.
Here are a few reasons why certified IT professionals typically have higher earning potential:
Increased marketability
IT certifications can make professionals more marketable to employers. Certifications provide tangible proof of their skills and can help them stand out among other candidates during the hiring process.
Demonstrated expertise
Certifications indicate a certain level of expertise in a particular area of IT. Employers may be willing to pay a premium for individuals who possess specialized knowledge and skills.
Competitive advantage
Certifications can give professionals a competitive advantage over their peers. They may be considered for more challenging or higher-level positions that come with better compensation.
Career advancement opportunities
IT certifications often open doors to career advancement opportunities. They can qualify professionals for promotions or allow them to take on more significant responsibilities, which may come with higher salaries.
Industry recognition
Some certifications are exceptionally well-recognized and respected within their respective fields. Employers value these certifications and offer higher salaries to professionals who hold them or, for some of them, make them a job requirement.
While certifications can contribute to higher earning potential, it’s important to note that other factors such as experience, job role, industry, and geographic location also influence salary levels. Ultimately, a combination of relevant certifications, skills, experience, and market demand will determine the overall earning potential of an IT professional.
Which are the fastest growing jobs?
Several IT jobs experienced high demand and had a significant number of job openings. Here are a few of the ones that stick out.
Network Administrator
Network administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining an organization’s computer networks. With the increasing reliance on technology and the need for robust network infrastructure, network administrator positions have been in demand.
Cybersecurity Analyst
The need for cybersecurity professionals has been on the rise due to the growing number of cyber threats and the importance of protecting sensitive data and systems. Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents.
Cloud Solutions Architect
As more organizations migrate their infrastructure and applications to the cloud, there has been a demand for professionals who can design and implement cloud-based solutions. Cloud solutions architects are responsible for developing scalable and secure cloud architectures.
IT Project Manager
IT project managers are essential for overseeing and managing technology projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and meet the objectives of the organization.
These are just a few examples, and there were other IT job roles that also had a significant number of openings in 2022. The specific demand for IT roles in any given geo will, of course, vary based on factors such as industry trends, technological advancements, as well as market demand, and labor supply.